Cercis canadensis ‘Judas canadensis’ is a deciduous tree, (6-9 m), with spreading, ascending branches and a flat top. The leaves are alternate, single, 7.5-13 cm wide, heart-shaped, glossy dark green in colour. In autumn they are green-yellow, although sometimes bright yellow to even golden. The small (13 mm) pinkish-purple flowers appear in spring before the leaves develop, some being produced on older branches. There is also a form with white flowers, var. alba . The fruit is a flat pod, 5-7.5 cm long, about 1.25 cm wide, green, brown-black in autumn.
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The best position is a sunny or semi-shaded spot. Grows well in many soil types except constantly moist, adapts to acidic and alkaline soils.
Hardy to USDA zone 4-6, it occurs naturally from New Jersey to Florida, west to Missouri and northern Mexico.
A very decorative plant for any type of garden.
Cercis : refers to the weaver's shuttle ( Gr. kerkis ), apparently referring to the shape of the fruit, canadensis : from Canada (actually, its original range probably included only the southernmost part of Ontario, but it has established itself over a wider area).
